Being there Quote by John Green
“Every time I try to set something in Chicago, I get intimidated by 'Augie March.' It's easy to set something in Indianapolis - we don't have 'Augie March' here. But I love writing about Chicago, and I love being there and imagining lives in Chicago. I hope to set something there in the future, but it's intimidating.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2012
Setting stories in famous cities can feel daunting; smaller places feel safer, but the desire to capture a beloved city persists.
In simple terms: Famous settings intimidate; smaller ones feel safe.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the challenge of writing about what you love.
Themes
city writing
fear
creative ambition
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
creative
motivational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- travel planning
- urban research
- personal growth
Key Concepts
place‑based storytelling
confidence building
Questions to Reflect On
- What holds you back from writing about Chicago?
- How can you make a familiar city feel fresh?
A Different Perspective
Famous cities may limit narrative freedom.
![“While [Domald] Trump chose a running mate, [Mike] Pence, who wrote [a letter to an Indianapolis newspaper] about how women shouldn't work because it's bad for the family. So we're really facing such a stark contrast between the candidates. Not to mention the vulgarity that Trump has been spouting…” quote by Natalie Portman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/natalie-portman-1515_campaigns_while-domald-trump-chose-a-running-mate_807619.jpg)
